AFCON 2025: Senegal favoured as quarter-final clash with Mali awaits

Senegal will head into their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 quarter-final against Mali as clear frontrunners when the two West African rivals meet at the Grande Stade de Tanger on January 9.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00pm local time (4:00pm GMT), with Senegal enjoying familiarity with the venue after playing all four of their matches in Tangier so far. Mali, meanwhile, have split their games between Casablanca and Rabat.

History strongly favours the reigning African champions. This will be only the second meeting between Senegal and Mali at AFCON finals, the first coming in the 2004 group stage where the sides drew 1–1. Both teams advanced to the quarter-finals that year.

Overall, the teams have faced each other 40 times, with Senegal holding a dominant edge — 19 wins to Mali’s eight, alongside 13 draws. Senegal have also outscored Mali 61–38 and are unbeaten in their last 13 encounters, stretching back to 1997.

Mali’s last victory over Senegal came in a friendly match 28 years ago, while their most recent meeting in 2019 ended in dramatic fashion, with Sadio Mané scoring twice late on to secure a 2–1 win for Senegal.

With a strong head-to-head record, tournament pedigree and momentum on their side, Senegal will be widely tipped to progress, though Mali will be hoping to defy history and spring a surprise in Tangier.